Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The iconic Mattel Barbie brand in Malaysia released a special tribute to fathers on Father’s Day. Developed together with Mediabrands Content Studio (MBCS), the film delivers an inspiring message that ‘not all heroes wear capes’.
Mandar Wairkar, creative director at MBCS, said, “The film’s inspiration came from observations around Asian dads, as they are not known to be particularly expressive.”
“Typically, Asian dads are steadfast providers who are stern, strict, or even feared. However, we’re now living in an age of expression, with children seeking more outward showing of love and affection from their parents. As such, this Father’s Day, we wanted to recognise Asian dads who are breaking the mould of fatherly roles, and sending messages of positivity to their kids each day to give them strength and self-belief that they can do anything they set their minds to,” furthered Wairkar.
The short ad celebrates fathers who would do anything to make their ‘little girls’ dreams come true’. Additionally, the film encourages a social movement with the hashtag #BarbieFathersDay, for parents and their children to share how they celebrate Father’s Day to encourage more Asian dads to break the traditional fatherly mould.
Murat Ariksoy, general manager at Mattel South Asia, said, “Barbie’s tagline ‘You can be anything’ looks to inspire confidence and courage to all children out there to go out and live their dreams. This inspiring film and movement by MBCS portrays fathers as positive role models and celebrates all those fathers who go the extra mile to bring a smile to their child’s face.”
The film was released on Barbie’s Facebook page.